This ninth round of sanctions imposed by the Obama administration further demonstrates that sanctions are simply war by other means. U.S. officials have stated that they are designed to “make Iran’s weak currency even weaker and more volatile,” acting to further punish the Iranian people. Iranians will continue to suffer while the government continues to tighten its grip and U.S. and Israel come closer to military attack.

With businesses unable to fully function and the resulting downturn in domestic production, wages have decreased and the unemployment rate has increased. Further, this most recent escalation of sanctions threatens to increase the already high unemployment rate, as the car manufacturing industry is the second largest employer in the country.

Sanctions have also hurt the ability of progressive movements to continue flourishing. According the Iran Project report, “indirectly and even directly, U.S. policies probably already have enhanced the political power of repressive leaders and ultra-conservative factions.” For example, there has been a noticeable rise in crackdowns on journalists. Sanctions limit the strength of Iranian progressives as they like others are affected by unemployment and the increased costs of basic necessities and must focus their energies on survival of their families. Banking sanctions also limit their ability to sustain themselves.

If you are an Iranian living in the United States or an Iranian-American, check out the recently published Iran Sanctions Economic Rights toolkit, a joint-effort among Attorney Samira Afzali, Iranian Alliances Across Borders, and the National Lawyers Guild.

To learn more about the breadth and impact of sanctions and to take action, visit Havaar.org and Rahacollective.org.

Setareh Ghandehari is based in New York City and is Co-Chair of the National Lawyers Guild Iran Subcommittee.

Azadeh Shahshahani is based in Atlanta and is President of the National Lawyers Guild.